Spice of Life – Chapter 4A

Chloe had been standing in front of the same store window nearly ten minutes trying to make up her mind if she should go in and try on the item that had lured her to the window in the first place. She had already bought something to wear to the Sweethearts Ball being held the next night at the Penthouse Grille. The evening dinner dance was being sponsored by the local chapter of the American Heart Association in conjunction with National Heart Month and was generally regarded as being one of the premier social events of Salem. Craig, as University Hospital’s Chief-of-Staff was the honorary chairman of the prestigious fundraising event. An invitation was a very sought after item and Chloe, as Craig’s family member, had one in her possession.

Philip’s parents, who were both active hospital board members, were attending and had suggested that as the heir apparent to the Titan Publishing empire as well as a seat on the hospital board, he should forego any other plans he might have for Saturday evening and accompany them. To their surprise Philip had offered not one word of protest…quite the opposite. He had immediately called Chloe and asked her to be his date for the evening. To Nancy and Craig’s delight Chloe had accepted before he had barely gotten the words out.

This was the first formal wear date she and Philip would be going on. She knew what he’d be wearing – a tux – and she couldn’t wait to see him looking like a groom figurine on a wedding cake. It hadn’t escaped her that even in his jeans and casual shirts or sweaters, Philip always looked like a candidate for the cover of Gentlemen’s Quarterly. Yes, he wore designer labels but it was his slender build and the way he carried himself that made anything he wore look good. He’d smiled self-consciously when she told him how even his walk turned her on. There was something about his slightly pigeon-toed gait combined with his athletic grace that made her love to watch him walk away from her when he’d drop her off on the Wesley’s front porch after a date. Going or coming she loved the view……especially the walk. She could only imagine how he would look Saturday night when he came up that very sidewalk to take her to the Penthouse Grille.

With all that in mind Chloe wanted to look special for Philip. It seemed to her that guys had it the easiest when it came to dressing for this sort of an occasion. Tuxedos were standard attire for men but for their dates the style possibilities were endless and it meant going from store to store trying to find the perfect outfit that pleased them as well as their escorts. Philip always complimented her whatever she wore but she was determined to dazzle him for this most special occasion.

The dress she had bought was the best she had seen in any of the boutiques or department stores though it still wasn’t really what she’d had in mind. Thinking she’d better settle on something before all the dresses were grabbed up, she had bought a gown at Barron’s department store. It just wasn’t quite what she wanted but it would have to do……until this moment. The newest dress shop in Salem place had opened up the beginning of February with much fan fare. Chloe hadn’t had a chance to make it to the opening though Nancy had gone on and on about how fabulous their inventory was. She and Nancy practically never agreed on fashion, so she’d surmised it was a store that would never see her browsing through it. It was with much surprise she realized the dress that beckoned to her was in that very store she had sworn would never swipe Craig’s credit card. Now, she debated if she should she give in to temptation, go in and try on the dress or stick with what she’d already bought.

"Hi, Chloe."

"Wha…oh, Jason….hello."

"I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to startle you."

"That’s okay…I was just debating with myself about something."

"Which side of you was winning?"

Chloe smiled at Jason’s remark before answering.

"Well, I’m not sure. How are you? Oh, that was a stupid remark. What I should have asked was how is your shoulder?" Chloe looked at his arm folded against his body and supported by a sling.

"It’s still separated, thank you. The team doctor says I can’t play hockey for at least another four weeks. The season will be almost over by then. I’m hoping if we earn a berth I might at least help try to win a game in the championship playoffs."

"I couldn’t believe how hard that guy from University High checked you into the boards. I hurt for you when I heard the sound of you hitting the ice."

"Those guys always play like that…they have a reputation as the bad boys of the conference. We don’t call their high school Al Capone Tech without reason. I’m surprised he didn’t go for my knee caps…isn’t that usually what Mafia enforcers do?"

Chloe laughed and asked, "How do you know so much about inner workings of the Mafia?"

"I don’t. It’s just that I had to stay quiet and rest my shoulder the first four days so I laid on the couch and watched videos….’The Untouchables’ is my favorite. Guess that’s where the Mafia idea came from."

"That’s one of Philip’s favorites, too. I’ve been made to sit through it a couple of times. II just enjoy staring at Sean Connery, Andy Garcia and Kevin Costner for two hours. Changing the subject ….what are you doing in Salem Place, Jason? I would think you’d be more in interested in spending time at .Com"

"That’s where I went first but none of the gang’s there. Philip and Shawn are both at basketball practice. Belle’s at cheerleading practice. I decided to check out Salem Place…see if I might run into any one I knew and look……I did."

"I came here after class to seriously shop."

"Oooooohhhh, serious shopping, huh? Anything in particular?"

"A dress for University Hospital’s Sweethearts Ball tomorrow night. Philip is taking me and since I have tomorrow all booked doing other things like hair, facial and nails – Belle’s idea, of course, I had to find a dress today and everything that goes with it."

Jason, towering over Chloe by nearly six inches, leaned forward and peered into the Barron’s shopping bag among others to catch a glimpse at its contents.

"Looks to me as though you’re finished."

"Well, I thought I was…now I’m not so sure. I bought a dress that’s……nice, but I sort of just settled on it. Now, walking past here I see one that is really more what I had in mind. The debate I was having with myself was if I should stick with what I bought or go try that one on."

Chloe pointed at the dress in the window. Jason followed her pointing finger in the direction of the display window to see which one she was referring to. His eyes grew big as he let out a wolf whistle.

"That’s some dress."

"Meaning you think it’s too much?"

"Too much? Not if you’re talking about the top half of it."

He walked toward the window for a closer look with Chloe soon following his lead.

"I meant that it’s maybe too grown up or elaborate to wear…you know over the top?"

Jason grinned at the double entendre of Chloe’s remark.

"Over the top? That’s a definite possibility if you aren’t careful."

"Jason, will you be serious? I really like the dress but I don’t know if I would look good wearing a style like that."

Jason looked at the dress, turned to look at Chloe up and down, turned back to the dress and looked at her again.

"Go try it on, Chloe. I definitely can imagine you in it. I could hold your bags if you want while you go in."

"Actually, Jason, I was going to ask if you’d come in with me. I know it’s not a ‘guy store’ but it would be helpful having a second opinion once I try it on. My mother told me they have free cheese and crackers for patrons. You could snack and rest your shoulder in a comfortable chair while I’m in the dressing room. I promise I won’t take too long."

Jason couldn’t believe Chloe was asking him to spend time with her let alone telling him his opinion mattered to her. He had wandered around Salem for the better part of the afternoon adrift without any of his friends. Though he and Chloe had spent that one afternoon getting to know each other a little better ice skating at Kennedy Park, they only had one class together at Salem High and didn’t see each other that often. She was offering him a chance to further erase the bad memories of his past misdeeds.

"Well….sure…why not? I’m a confident, macho guy. I can handle being in a dress shop for awhile."

"Great! Come on, let’s go."

Jason offered Chloe his arm and she linked hers through it as they walked to the double doors of the shop. Once inside Chloe went to a salesclerk and asked if they had the dress in the window in her size. In a few minutes the woman returned with the dress size Chloe wore. She set her shopping bags down beside a plush, peach-colored chair Jason had settled himself into comfortably. Next to the chair was a small glass table laden with a platter of cheeses and another of crackers. Jason had wasted no time in trying one of everything.

"I’m going back to try the dress on. If it fits, I’ll come out and model it for you - - get your opinion?"

Jason vigorously nodded his head. He had been taught it wasn’t polite to talk with his mouth crammed full. Chloe rolled her eyes, shook her head and smiled as she turned away heading for the dressing rooms. Ten minutes and half a platter of cheese and crackers consumed later, Jason heard Chloe’s voice.

"Okay, Jason, I’m ready to come out. Just remember I’d have my hair done differently and be wearing heels so take that into consideration when you see me."

"Ready when you are."

Jason’s attention was more focused on stabbing another piece of Jarlsburg cheese with a toothpick when he heard the soft rustling of a dress. He glanced over in her direction and suddenly sat up at attention in the chair. Chloe slowly walked toward him in the gown. She still had her glasses on and her hair in French braids but it didn’t matter. The dress fit her perfectly showing off her creamy skin, soft shoulders and gentle, rounded curves. Jason stared as Chloe slowly pirouetted so he could see her from all angles. He had forgotten how beautiful Chloe could be. He had never told Philip but the first image that always came to mind when he heard someone mention her name was of her in the red dress she had worn to the Last Blast.

"You don’t like it, I can tell."

Snapped from his daydream by her remark Jason shook his head.

"No, no, Chloe, it’s great…beautiful…..awesome. Oh, wait, that’s you in the dress."

His compliment took her by surprise……..him, too, for that matter. Her reaction was to wait for the punch line to follow the way it usually did when Jason gave someone a compliment. She stood with her right hand on her hip anticipating the joke but Jason only smiled and nodded his approval of the dress and her in it.

"Really? I look okay in it?"

"Yeah, you look more than okay. If you really want to know, Chloe, you make the dress …not the other way around. You should take it."

The saleslady came over and nodded her approval as well. Chloe went back to look in the triple mirror one more time before telling the clerk she had made a sale. She disappeared into the dressing room and after a few minutes, Jason saw the dress in the arms of the clerk as she made her way to the cash register. Chloe emerged in her jeans and Salem High Panthers sweatshirt momentarily. She paid for the dress and waited until the gown was carefully enclosed in a long garment bag.

"I need to take the other dress back to Barron’s and get a credit slip for Craig’s records. I’m glad you came with me, Jason,….thanks."

"Hey, I have all afternoon. Do you want some company going to Barrons?"

"I don’t want to take up all your time, Jason."

"It’s not a problem…I told you everyone else is at practice of some sort…unless, you’d rather I take off now."

"No…no don’t be silly. I’ve enjoyed myself."

"Me, too. Okay, then, let’s go to Barron’s and afterward how about hot chocolate at Java Time?"

"Great idea."

"Here, hand me that garment bag. It’s too long for you to carry without tripping on the bottom."

Handing the bag over to him, her fingers were caught in the hook as Jason reached for it. He clasped his hand around hers and felt the soft warmth of her hand. He found himself looking into her sky blue eyes Philip always talked about and for the first time understood why he did. Chloe started walking toward Barron’s unaware of Jason’s revelation.

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Java Café

"That really hit the spot. I was getting a little chilly….after all it is February."

Jason sipped on his hot chocolate feeling it warm his insides as well. Chloe looked at him, smiled and leaned forward to hold the cup in her hand.

"Have you got your tuxedo for tomorrow night, Jason?"

"No."

"But, Jason, you have to wear one - - it’s strictly black tie. They won’t let you in at the Penthouse Grill otherwise."

"That’s okay…………..I’m not going."

"Not going? But, ….Jason…..Shawn and Belle are. Mrs. Black….Dr. Evans is on staff at the hospital and Belle’s dad is one of the major hospital benefactors. Philip’s parents are hospital board members and Craig is University’s Chief-of-Staff….."

"…..and, I’m still not going. You have to have an invitation, Chloe."

"I know and we have an extra. I’m going with Philip on his invitation. You can have mine."

"It’s a little late, Chloe and besides I don’t have a date."

"Well, ……you can go stag."

"Great….how pathetic is that to go to a Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Ball stag? Just plug in the flashing ‘loser’ sign and hang it above me with the arrow pointing down. Besides, I can’t dance with this sling on my shoulder."

hloe had a plan in mind but Jason wasn’t playing into her hands the way she thought he would. She rethought her approach and began again.

"Jason? I know we’re just getting to know one another…..I mean as something other than enemies……I was wondering ……..if I asked you a question would you give me an honest answer?"

Jason was puzzled by Chloe’s remarks as well as curious.

"I guess it would depend upon the question. Go ahead…ask me."

"Let’s say there’s this girl you know, sort of….and, you haven’t always gotten along…maybe you’ve argued and done things to one another? Do you think it’s possible that if you got to know her and she got to know you by spending time together, that….you might….well, change your opinion of her? Maybe she really likes you and just won’t admit it….you know…her pride."

Jason stared at Chloe trying to fathom what she was getting at.

"It might be that you just need to start over….agree to leave what’s happened between you in the past. She could be at the ball tomorrow night ….in fact, I know she will be and it would give you two a chance to spend more time together."

"Won’t she be with a date?"

"Well, she’ll be with someone but she’s not really as crazy about him as he is her. I know that for sure. She likes him but she finds herself being drawn to someone more like you."

"Like me?"

"Ummm-hmmm You ‘re tall, handsome, funny…."

"Look, even if I went, how would I know who she was when I got there?"

"Don’t worry, Jason, you’ll recognize her if nothing else by the dress. Will you go?"

The dress remark took Jason by surprise. Could he be right about whom the girl was Chloe was referring to? If he was, then the attraction he’d felt for her at the skating party wasn’t without some substance or one-sided.

"You aren’t just getting even with me for what I did to you last year, are you?"

Chloe’s shocked expression told Jason she wasn‘t.

"Okay,……I’ll go."

"Oh, Jason! I’m glad. I was afraid you wouldn’t. One other thing, I don’t think you should tell anyone the reason you’ll be there. Her date might find out and ….well…. make a scene…you know…be jealous."

"Yeah, I guess he might. I won’t say thing."

"Hey, it’s getting late. I need to get home."

"Let me walk you to your house. It’s getting dark and you’ve got way too many shopping bags to carry by yourself."

"Thanks, Jason, I’d like that and, besides, it’ll give us a little more time together."

"Exactly what I was thinking."

Twenty minutes later they entered the Wesley house. Chloe placed the shopping bags on the bench at the bottom of the staircase.

"Where do you want the garment bag, Chloe?"

"Oh, just drape it over the banister by the hook, please. It won’t get crumpled up and wrinkle the hem of the gown."

"I should get going. I have to rent a tux before I go home."

Chloe walked Jason to the door and hugged him gently so as not to hurt his injured arm.

"Thanks for a nice time. I’m glad you showed up when you did."

Slightly flushed in the face Jason smiled and said, "I’m glad, too. See you tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow night."

Chloe opened the front door and jumped slightly at the sight of Philip standing there, arm raised preparing to knock. Equally surprised Philip looked at Chloe and then Jason with a puzzled look on his face.

"Jase…..I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you were home taking care of your shoulder."

"I have been…just needed to get out a little today."

"So, you’re better?"

"Yeah, but still can’t play or even get out on the ice – doctor’s orders. Well, see ya, Bro….Chloe." Jason headed down the front walk and disappeared while Philip watched him the entire time. He looked back at Chloe who wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him as though she hadn’t just seen him only a few hours earlier in school.

"Mmmmmmm, I have missed you. Come on in and let me keep any more cold air from coming inside."

She pulled Philip in by the arm as he looked back over his shoulder for any further sighting of Jason.

"uhhh, Chloe?? About Jason…."

"Shhhh….I’ll explain it later. Shut up and kiss me."

"Well, if you put it that way….."

Philip placed his hands on Chloe’s back and pulled her as close to him as he could before kissing her again…and again….and again….

to be continued…